Page 387 Realidades 1 The Personal “a”
The Personal “a” In Spanish, when there is a conjugated verb and a specific person or group of people that is not the subject follows the verb, we use an “a” before it. That’s why it’s called the personal “a."
The Personal “a” Which one of these sentences needs an “a” ? Quiero visitar el museo. Quiero visitar mis abuelos. Quiero visitar a mis abuelos.
The Personal “a” The “a” doesn’t mean anything. It simply is correct grammatically to put the personal “a” before a direct object that is a person.
The Personal “a” What’s wrong with the following sentence? Quiero visitar a el señor López. Quiero visitar al señor López.
The Personal “a” To ask who receives the action of a verb, we use A quién? A quién quieres visitar? Quiero visitar a mis primos.
The Personal “a” We can also use the personal a when the direct object is an animal, especially a pet. Busco a mi perro.
The Personal “a” We usually do not use the personal “a” after the verb tener. Tengo muchos tíos.
To Review…Use “a” Before the……when the…..is a ……. When the direct object is an…. Not after the verb…… Good!!